Antique French Kingwood Ormolu Desk - Louis XV Marquetry Writing Table c.1880 — Hawkins Antiques, Barry, South Wales

Antique French Kingwood Ormolu Desk - Louis XV Marquetry Writing Table c.1880

Regular price: £1,200.00 GBP
Sale price: £1,200.00 GBP
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Description

Delivery

Condition

Dimensions

Why Hawkins Antiques?

Description

Overview

A fine quality 19th century antique French kingwood and ormolu desk, dating from circa 1880 and crafted in the elegant Louis XV style. The richly figured kingwood veneers together with finely cast gilt ormolu mounts create a highly decorative and refined example of late 19th century French furniture.

Key Features

19th century French kingwood and ormolu desk
Circa 1880
Elegant Louis XV style design
Richly figured kingwood veneers with chevron pattern inlay
Finely cast gilt ormolu mounts throughout
Decorative Bacchus mask escutcheon to the drawer
Inset upholstered writing surface
Graceful cabriole legs with ormolu sabots
Central drawer providing practical storage
Suitable as a bureau plat, writing desk, or centre table

Craftsmanship & Detail

The desk is beautifully veneered in richly figured kingwood arranged in striking chevron patterns across the drawer front and frieze, displaying the refined cabinetmaking associated with quality French furniture of the late 19th century. Finely cast gilt ormolu mounts decorate the legs, corners, and drawer, with the impressive central Bacchus mask escutcheon providing a particularly striking focal point. Raised on elegant Louis XV cabriole legs terminating in ormolu sabots, the desk combines graceful proportions with excellent decorative presence. The shaped top retains its inset upholstered writing surface framed by a moulded edge, while the central drawer offers practical storage functionality.

Delivery

UK Delivery

We offer FREE fully wrapped and insured two-man delivery across mainland UK. All items are handled carefully by our trusted in-house delivery team.

International Shipping

Worldwide shipping is available. We regularly arrange professional international delivery for clients across Europe, the USA, and beyond. Please enquire for a tailored quotation.

Packaging & Handling

Professionally wrapped and protected
Handled by experienced furniture specialists
Carefully transported to minimise movement and risk
Collection available by appointment

Condition

Condition Report

Presented in good antique condition throughout. The kingwood veneers are sound and display excellent colour and figuring, while the ormolu mounts retain fine detail together with attractive original gilding and the warm patina associated with genuine age.

The red upholstered writing surface shows age-related wear consistent with a working piece of this period - entirely honest and original in appearance. Replacement upholstery in a choice of colour and tooling can be arranged at cost if desired. The structure remains solid and stable and the drawer operates smoothly. Minor age-consistent wear throughout is entirely in keeping with a genuine late 19th century French piece. An honest description from a specialist dealer with over 60 years of family experience.

Additional Notes

Kingwood veneers sound and well preserved
Ormolu mounts retaining excellent detail and gilding
Original upholstered writing surface with age-related wear
Drawer running smoothly and structure solid throughout

Dimensions

Height 74cm Width 106cm Depth 65cm

Why Hawkins Antiques?

Three Generations Since 1960

Hawkins Antiques has been sourcing and selling fine antique furniture for over six decades, combining traditional expertise with carefully curated stock.

Personally Selected Stock

Every piece is individually chosen for quality, character, craftsmanship, and decorative appeal - we do not mass-source inventory.

Honest Condition Reporting

We photograph and describe each item accurately, highlighting condition, restorations, age-related wear, and authenticity.

Specialist Delivery

UK deliveries are handled carefully by trusted couriers, with international shipping arranged through specialist fine art transport companies.

Let customers speak for us

from 13 reviews

Websiteeasy to use & very quick delivery.

Wayne Crocker

05/29/2026

Hawkins Antiques

Our house was built in 1820, so I have been slowly acquiring furniture from the same period. The piece is perfect & arrived very quickly too.

Wayne Crocker

05/29/2026

Fine Georgian Mahogany Fold Over Tea Table With Carved Lion Paw Feet C.1820

We love our fender. Brilliant condition and very speedy and good delivery service.

Chloe Frost

04/10/2026

Hawkins Antiques

We purchased a table from Hawkins Antique and it is absolutely stunning and a mint condition! Delivery was very fast and the delivery team were fantastic and really went the extra mile to get the table into the house - it wasn't simple due to our narrow front door, but the guys managed to get it in, keeping the table safe along the way! Highly recommend - very happy! Made another purchase already!

Liam Phillips

03/25/2026

Hawkins Antiques

If you are looking for an antique/furniture dealer who sells good quality at appropriate prices, are prompt, polite and helpful and deliver what they promise, our recent experience of Hawkins exactly fits that bill.wewill gladly buy from them again.

Bali Kochar

02/26/2026

Hawkins Antiques

We had purchased a walnut sideboard from this company. We are delighted with it and with the service. The sideboard - is in a very good condition, clean, as described and advertised. We found dealing with everyone in that company to be straight forward and helpful. I would not hesitate buying from them again! Highly recommended!!!

Monika Hold

02/26/2026

Hawkins Antiques

The cabinet was just as expected photos were spot on. Delivery service was excellent and fast. Highly recommend Lee and co. Thank you

Linda Bennett

11/18/2025

Hawkins Antiques

Superb service from purchase to delivery. Lee could not have been more helpful and the item is exactly as described. His delivery guys were wonderful too!

Ruth Middle

10/03/2025

Hawkins Antiques

Hawkins Antiques have been absolutely perfect. The furniture we bought is brilliant, exactly as described and photographed, and the team couldn’t have been more helpful and professional

Dan Sails

08/19/2025

Hawkins Antiques

Bought a William Tillman table and chairs. We are absolutely thrilled with the purchase and the company was very understanding when we were having trouble with moving dates. They were extremely helpful and understanding. Items came well packed and dropped off by two nice chaps who moved everything into the house for us without any hassle at all. Absolutely no trouble in recommending Hawkins Antiques. Would give more than 5*

M Wilson

08/03/2022

Hawkins Antiques

Visited Hawkins Antiques a few days ago and must say I was very impressed with the wonderful furniture and the helpfulness of the staff. Well worth a visit

Donna Oram

11/15/2017

Hawkins Antiques

I visited this place last week and have to say I was amazed, it was like a museum. I definitely recommend anyone to take a visit to Hawkins antiques if you are in the Cardiff or Barry area.

Rukaya Wareth

11/15/2017

Hawkins Antiques